How Hazardous Roads can Cause Crashes

When a car accident occurs, blame is usually directed at one or more drivers involved. However, in some instances, no driver may be at fault for the crash. It may have been a hazardous condition on the roadway that caused a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash. The following are some of the common ways hazardous roads can cause crashes.

Dangerous Design

When government agencies sit down to design roads and highways, they are responsible for ensuring these roads are designed in a manner that is safe for motorists. Government engineers do make mistakes like everyone else. In some cases, a roadway may be designed with a dangerous condition. Some dangerous design defects of roads and highways can include:

• Dangerous intersections
• Inadequate merge lanes
• Inadequate shoulder or room to pull over
• Curves that are too sharp
• Speed limits that are too high for road conditions
• Blind intersection
• Improperly-timed traffic signals
• Improperly-placed or missing traffic signs or signals

If the government discovers a design hazard exists and it can’t fix the problem, it must properly warn drivers of the potential danger so they can slow down or pay extra attention to the road ahead.

Inadequate Inspection, Maintenance, or Repair

Once a road is built, it will require regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of any hazardous conditions. If a locality or state fails to do so, the following may exist and lead to accidents:

• Large cracks
• Potholes
• Debris on the road
• Eroding shoulders
• Damaged medians or guardrails
• Signs that are worn or knocked over
• Inadequate lighting
• Malfunctioning traffic signals

All of these can easily cause drivers to crash and the government should be held accountable for losses and damages caused by the injury victim. It’s important to note that claims against the government have special rules, procedures, and time limits under Missouri law,¹ so you should discuss your specific case with an experienced attorney immediately.

Call a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney for Help as Soon as Possible

If you have been injured in any type of accident, please do not delay in calling an experienced personal injury lawyer at Page Law. Contact us online or at (314) 322-8515 for your free consultation.

¹http://www.moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/stathtml/53700006001.html